Semen may enter the vagina if a person masturbates, ejaculates, and then uses the same hand or hands to finger their partner.

Fingering after giving a handjob

Semen may also enter the vagina if a person gives their partner a handjob and proceeds to finger themselves with the same hand or hands.

Although the chance of getting pregnant in this situation is relatively low, it is not impossible.

Wiping the hands on a towel may not remove all of the sperm cells. However, people can lower their chance of introducing semen to the vagina by washing their hands after giving their partner a handjob.

Birth control

People can use birth control to prevent unintended pregnancy.

Different types of birth control have varying degrees of effectiveness. Some options also protect against sexually transmitted infections, while others do not.

Long acting reversible contraception

They prevent pregnancy by releasing small amounts of a synthetic form of progesterone or copper into the female reproductive tract.

Short acting hormonal birth control

Short acting birth control methods release synthetic hormones, such as estrogen and progestin, which prevents ovulation. Fertilization cannot occur without ovulation.

Some examples of short acting hormonal birth control methods include:

Depo-Provera: This method is an injection of progestin that lasts for up to 3 months.

Oral contraceptives: People should take oral tablets at the same time each day. Some oral contraceptives contain a combination of progestin and estrogen, while others only contain progestin.

Contraceptive patches: Patches deliver hormones to the bloodstream through skin contact. People can place a contraceptive patch on their stomach, buttocks, back, or upper arm. Contraceptive patches alone may prevent pregnancy about 91% of the time. They work in 4 week cycles, and a person must reapply them at the same time every week.

A vaginal ring: The vaginal ring is a small, thin device that a person inserts into the vagina, where it continually releases hormones for 3 weeks. People remove the ring at the beginning of the fourth week and insert a new ring a week later. Similar to patches, vaginal rings are about 91% effective.

Barrier methods

Barrier methods, such as male condoms, can help prevent unintended pregnancy.

Barrier birth control methods physically block sperm from entering the uterus. Some examples of barrier birth control methods include:

The chance of pregnancy increases when people do not use barrier methods consistently or correctly.

Fertility awareness

Fertility awareness methods include natural family planning.

This method requires that sexual partners become familiar with the natural signs and rhythms of ovulation and the menstrual cycle.

People who use fertility awareness can plan to avoid sexual activity or use an additional form of contraception, such as a male condom, on the most fertile days of the month.

Similar to barrier methods, fertility awareness offers varying degrees of effectiveness. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, people who use fertility awareness alone have a 25% chance of pregnancy.

When to see a doctor

Pregnancy can occur even if people use birth control.

However, getting pregnant while using certain forms of birth control — such as an IUD — can lead to severe complications.

Pregnancy symptoms do not develop immediately after having sex. In fact, it can take several days after fertilization before a woman starts experiencing symptoms.